Dorothy Vaughan
An American mathematician who worked for NASA and was one of the agency's first African-American managers.
Most quoted
"I saw the writing on the wall and I got into the computer business. I'm not going to sit around and wait for them to tell me what to do."
— from Biography/Interviews, 1960
"Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men."
— from Interview, 1980
"I always said, 'If you're going to do something, do it right.' Especially if it's sending someone into space."
— from Fictionalized accounts/interpretations
All quotes by Dorothy Vaughan (374)
I was interested in mathematics, and I was interested in teaching.
We had to be strong. We had to be resilient.
I didn't see myself as a trailblazer. I just saw myself as a woman doing her work.
We were doing something important. We were contributing.
I always believed in education. It was the key to everything.
I wanted to make a difference, and I did.
We were all in it together, trying to get the job done.
I never gave up. I kept pushing forward.
The work was challenging, but it was also rewarding.
Mathematics is a beautiful language.
I always tried to help the younger women coming up.
We had to adapt or be left behind.
I believed in the mission.
My greatest satisfaction came from seeing the results of our work.
We were all working towards a common goal.
I never let the challenges define me.
It was a time of great change, and we were a part of it.
I always encouraged others to learn and grow.
The sky was the limit if you were willing to work for it.
I saw the potential in everyone.
Contemporaries of Dorothy Vaughan
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of Dorothy Vaughan (1910–2008).